Modular structure

ABSTRACT

This invention is a modular device that uses permanent-magnets and electro-magnets to hold their position and reconfigure their position. The device has a variety of possible sizes, shapes and forms but all use the same principle of “complementary geometry”.  
     In its simplest form it could be used as a child&#39;s toy. A dozen or so 3″ blocks with only permanent-magnets and using this “complementary geometry” system, would allow the most uncoordinated child a frustration free assembly of their building blocks, because the blocks would literally slide into place.  
     In a more complex example: the device could be used as a digital display. By having a matrix of devices with permanent &amp; electro-magnets, and with different colored sides, one could display charter of text by electronically rotating specific blocks in the matrix to create the pattern of a letter(s). With the same principle and using a larger matrix it is possible to display real life images.  
     In an even more complex example of this invention: this modular structure could transform itself from one shape to another, only by using the same principles as the said digital display. Electronically the device would morph in three dimensions. In conjunction with a CAD system, this Modular Structure with a matrix of thousands of tiny blocks would be a new type of rapid prototyping system for Industrial Designers.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of modularstructures and is particularly concerned with a modular structure madeof building blocks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There exists a plurality of situations wherein it is desirable toform three dimensional modular structures. One example of suchsituations is in the field of toys. Indeed, numerous geometric puzzleshave been known in the past, both in two dimensions as in plane geometryand in three dimensions as in solid geometry. Building blocks toys havebeen popular for many decades as an educational forum for thedevelopment of a child's imagination and creativity in the constructionof three dimensional objects. The conventional building block toys havedesigns ranging from simple cubicle blocks to complex geometrical shapeshaving various interlocking means.

[0003] One of the most popular building block typically defines agenerally rectangular parallelepiped-shaped configuration having threepairs of opposing surfaces in which one of the pairs of opposingsurfaces is provided with complimentary interengaging formations whilethe remaining pairs of opposing surfaces remain substantially planar.

[0004] An example of such arrangement is the conventional brick,suitable for constructing a wall or the like. Such prior art bricktypically have a major surface that includes, spaced from the edge ofthe brick, two upraised projections and an opposite major surface. Themajor surface, in turn, includes, spaced from the edges of the brick twocorresponding recesses.

[0005] The projections and recesses are arranged so that two identicalbricks may be placed in an end-to-end relationship relative to eachother. A third identical brick is typically placed on top of the othertwo with one of its recesses accommodating one projection from one ofthe two bricks and one of its recesses accommodating one projection fromthe other of the two bricks thereby interlocking the bricks together.

[0006] Another conventional building block design includes a generallyrectangular interlocking building blocks having complimentaryprojections and recesses on opposite of its major surfaces, theprojections being provided with ribs arranged to form at least oneupstanding cruciform shape.

[0007] One of the major problem associated with the hereinabovedisclosed type of toy building blocks is that the blocks must bearranged in one of the limited orientations. This greatly limits thedesign of any construction incorporating the blocks. Furthermore, thetype of links between the blocks does not allow relative movementbetween the blocks once they are assembled.

[0008] In order to circumvent the hereinabove mentioned disadvantages,some prior art building blocks have been provided with relativelycomplex interconnecting means typically taking the form of slotted pegs,metal springs, metal screws and the like which are awkward to manipulateespecially for a given child. The overall complexity associated withsuch toys typically frustrates a child in not wanting to play further.Furthermore, some of the complex interconnecting means associated withprior art building blocks not only increase the overall manufacturingcost thereof but also potentially creates safety hazards.

[0009] There exists various other situations in numerous fields whereinan improved modular structure made of building blocks would prove to bemost desirable. For example, in the field of robotics there exist a longfelt need for a modular structure that can easily be configuredaccording to various configurations. Such a configurable modularstructure could be used for numerous applications. For example in themedical field and other fields it would be most desirable to be providedwith a three dimensional structure that can be re-configured accordingto specific needs without external physical contacts with the actualthree-dimensional structure.

[0010] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved constructionblock design allowing for the construction of an improved modularstructure and for an improved modular structure.

[0011] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there isprovided a modular structure, the modular structure comprising: at leasttwo building blocks, each of the building blocks including a block bodydefining at least one block connecting face, the block connecting facedefining a block external connecting configuration; a linking component,the linking component defining a pair of linking component connectingfaces, each of the linking component connecting faces defining a linkingcomponent external configuration that is configured and sized so as toat least partially mate complimentarily with the block externalconnecting configuration of one of the blocks; a magnetic forcegenerating means for generating a magnetic field, the magnetic forcegenerating means being anchored either to the block body and/or to thelinking component so as generate a magnetic force that emanatesrespectively either through the block external connecting configurationand/or the linking component external configurations; whereby the blockexternal connecting configuration of each of the blocks are adapted tobe positioned in a facing relationship relative to each other with thelinking component external configurations at least partially matingcomplimentarily with the block external connecting configuration of theblocks, the magnetic force generating means exerting a magnetic forcethat releasably maintains the building blocks coupled by the linkingcomponent.

[0012] Preferably, the complementary block external connectingconfigurations and the linking component external configurations allowboth of the block bodies to pivot relative to the linking componentabout a common pivotal axis while maintaining the block bodies and thelinking component in contact with each other.

[0013] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the magneticforce generating means is a magnet component made out of a magnetizedpiece of material. In accordance with another embodiment of theinvention, the magnetic force generating means is an electro-magnetcomponent.

[0014] In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, eachbuilding block and each linking component is provided with a set ofelectro-magnets, the modular structure being provided with a selectiveactuating means for selectively activating the formation of the magneticfield of at least some of the electro-magnets according to apredetermined activation pattern.

[0015] Conveniently, the selective actuating means includes a means forgenerating the predetermined pattern; the electro-magnets and thebuilding blocks being configured, sized and positioned so that selectiveactivation of the electro-magnets according to the predetermined patternmodifies the configuration of the modular structure

[0016] Conveniently, the selective actuating means includes a set ofreceivers; each receiver being coupled to a correspondingelectro-magnet; the selective actuating means also including an emitterfor selectively emitting a signal; whereby upon reception of the signalfrom the emitter, each receiver, in turn, sends a signal to thecorresponding electro-magnet to which it is coupled for activating thelatter.

[0017] Advantages of the present invention include that the proposedmodular structure is made out of building blocks and linking componentsthat allow for releasable linking of the components while providingadequate structural rigidity. Also, the modular structure allows forselective relative movement between the components even when they are inan assembled state, hence allowing the modular structure to change itsconfiguration while remaining in an assembled state.

[0018] Furthermore, the proposed components of the improved modularstructure allow for ergonomical handling thereof without requiringspecial tooling or manual dexterity. In at least one embodiment of theinvention, the components of the modular structure can be moved relativeto each other without the need for the intended user to physicallycontact the structure.

[0019] Another advantage of the present invention relates to the factthat the modular structure could optionally be provided with means forallowing the self-modification of its structural configuration throughthe use of magnets or other force generating means. This additionalfeature could lead to the construction of functional structures such asminiature robots that could be used in the medical field or any othersuitable fields.

[0020] Still further, the components of the proposed modular structureare specifically designed so as to provide an aesthetical pleasingmodular structure. Furthermore, the proposed modular structure isspecifically designed so as to provide building components that aremanufacturable using conventional forms of manufacturing so as toprovide a modular structure that will be economically feasible, longlasting and relatively trouble free in operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention will now be disclosed, byway of example, in reference to the following drawings in which:

[0022]FIG. 1: in a perspective view, illustrates a building blockcomponent part of the modular structure in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 2: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block shownin FIG. 1 having linking components attached thereto.

[0024]FIG. 3: in an exploded view, illustrates the building blockcomponent and associated linking components shown in FIG. 2 with thelinking components removed from the building block.

[0025]FIG. 4: illustrates various elevational side, top and bottom viewsof the building block shown in FIG. 1

[0026]FIG. 5: in a perspective view, illustrates a pair of buildingblocks about to be linked together by a linking component.

[0027]FIG. 6: illustrates the building blocks and linking componentshown in FIG. 5 in a proximal relationship relative to each other.

[0028]FIG. 7: illustrates the building blocks shown in FIGS. 5 and 6attached by the linking component in an assembled configuration.

[0029]FIG. 8: in a perspective view, illustrates an additional buildingblock being attached to the modular structure shown in FIG. 7 usinganother linking component.

[0030]FIG. 9: in a perspective view, illustrates the assembledconfiguration using three (3) building blocks.

[0031]FIG. 10: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 11: orthographic views, illustrates the various sides of thebuilding block shown in FIG. 10.

[0033]FIG. 12: in an exploded view, illustrates the building block shownin FIGS. 10 and 11 having linking components about to be attachedthereto.

[0034]FIG. 13: in a perspective view, illustrates the building block andassociated linking components shown in FIG. 12 in a proximalrelationship relative to the building block.

[0035]FIG. 14: in a perspective view, illustrates a building blockhaving linking components attached thereto.

[0036]FIG. 15: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Thebuilding block having two connecting faces.

[0037]FIG. 16: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block inaccordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. Thebuilding block being shown with one connecting face.

[0038]FIG. 17: in a side elevational view, illustrates variousconfigurations of linking components.

[0039]FIG. 18: in an exploded view, illustrates a building block inaccordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention havingthree (3) different block connecting face configuration and associatedlinking components about to link corresponding differently shapedlinking blocks.

[0040]FIG. 19: in an elevational view, illustrates variousconfigurations of block connecting faces.

[0041]FIG. 20a: inside an elevational view, illustrates theconfiguration of a linking component associated with another embodimentof the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 20b: in an exploded view, illustrates a linking block usinglinking components such as shown in FIG. 20a for connecting spacingcomponents thereto.

[0043]FIG. 21: in a perspective view, illustrates a building block inaccordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention having ageometrical cross sectional plane extending therethrough.

[0044]FIG. 22: in a perspective view, illustrates a building blockhaving been cut along the geometrical plane shown in FIG. 21.

[0045]FIG. 23: in a transversal cross sectional view, illustrates theinternal configuration of a building block and the complementaryconnection face such as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0046] FIGS. 24 THROUGH 29: illustrates relative movements between apair of building blocks attached together using the configuration shownin FIGS. 21 through 23.

[0047]FIG. 30: in a perspective view, illustrates the configurationmodification of a modular structure formed with building blocks inaccordance with the present invention.

[0048]FIG. 31: in a perspective view, illustrates the change ofconfiguration of a matrix formed by building blocks such as shown inFIGS. 1 through 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a modular structure (10) inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The modularstructure (10) includes at least two building blocks (12). Each buildingblock (12) includes a block body defining at least one complementaryconnecting face (14). The complementary connecting face (14) defines ablock external connecting configuration.

[0050] The modular structure (10) also includes a linking component(16). The linking component (16) defines a pair of linking componentconnecting faces (18). Each linking component connecting face define acorresponding linking component external configuration that isconfigured and sized so as to at least partially mate complimentarilywith the adjacent block external connecting configuration of one of theblocks (12).

[0051] The modular structure (10) further includes a magnetic forcegenerating means for generating a magnetic field. The magnetic forcegenerating means is anchored either to the block body or to the linkingcomponent (16) so as to generate a magnetic force that emanatesrespectively either through the block external connecting configurationor the linking component external configuration.

[0052] Typically, the block external configuration takes the form of arecess and the linking component external configuration takes the formof complimentary protrusions. Alternatively, the block externalconnecting configuration could take the form of a protrusion and thelinking component external configuration could take the form of acomplimentary recess.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic forcegenerating means is anchored to the block body so as to generate amagnetic force that emanates through the block external connectingconfiguration. Alternatively, the magnetic force generating means couldbe anchored to the linking component (16) so as to generate a magneticforce that emanates through the linking component externalconfiguration.

[0054] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 16, the blockexternal connecting configuration takes the form of a concavity defininga generally curved recess inner surface. In FIGS. 1 through 16, thelinking component (16) has correspondingly generally roundedconvexities. Preferably, the rounded convexities form a generallylenticular configuration.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, each building block(12) has a generally hexagonal configuration defining a six blockconnecting faces (14). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 through 14,the connecting block has a generally triangular configuration definingthree connecting faces (14) while the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and16 respectively define building blocks having two and one connectingfaces (14). Alternatively, each building block could have a generallyfrustro-conical configuration or any other suitable configurationwithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0056] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 17 through 20b, there isshown alternative embodiments of the invention wherein from theconnecting blocks (12′) have generally cylindrical configurationsdefining longitudinally opposed connecting faces (14′). FIG. 17,illustrates various configurations of linking components (16) while FIG.19, illustrates corresponding configuration of connecting faces (14).

[0057] One of the main features of the present invention resides in thepresence of the magnetic force generating means. In one embodiment ofthe invention, the magnetic force generating means is a permanent magnetcomponent made out of a magnetized piece of material. The permanentmagnet component may be embedded within the block body so that a magnetouter surface (20) thereof merges with the curved recess inner surface(14).

[0058] In another embodiment of the invention, the magnetic forcegenerating means includes at least one electro-magnet component (22).Adjacent electro-magnet components can produce attractive or repulsiveforces as is well known in the art. As illustrated in FIGS. 21 through31, the outer surfaces of both the building blocks (12) and the linkingcomponents (16) are preferably lined with a plurality of electro-magnetcomponents (22). Alternatively, either or both the building blocks (12)and linking components (16) can be provided with combinations ofpermanent magnets and/or electro-magnets.

[0059] In some embodiments of the invention, the modular structure isprovided with a selective actuating means for selectively activating theformation of the magnetic field of at least some of said electro-magnetsaccording to a predetermined activation pattern.

[0060] Typically, the selective actuating means includes a means forgenerating the predetermined pattern. The electro-magnets and the block(12) are typically configured, sized and positioned so that theselective activation of the electro-magnets according to thepredetermined pattern modifies the configuration of the modularstructure.

[0061] For example, in FIG. 30, the selective activation according to apredetermined sequence of the electro magnets (22) located on thesurface of building block (12) and on the surface of linking component(16) to create an attractive-repulsive force combined with theactivation of the electro-magnets (22) located on complementaryconnecting face (14) to create an attractive-repulsive force that allowstwo building blocks (12) to slide around each other that changes theoverall configuration of the modular structure from a generallyrectilinear to a generally ‘L”-shaped configuration.

[0062] The selective actuating means can take various forms. In oneembodiment of the invention, the selective actuating means includesexternal logic device like a computer. In such an embodiment, theselective actuating means would reside apart from the invention andwould relay the actuation information through a base in which thebuilding blocks (12) rest, the information and current would travelthrough an array of electrodes (19) on the surface of the buildingblocks (12) and connecting faces (14) as shown in FIG. 21.

[0063] In another embodiment of the invention, the selective actuatingmeans includes an internal logic device like a computer. In such anembodiment, the selective actuating means would reside in the buildingblocks (12) and would relay the actuation information through and anarray of electrodes (19) on the surface of the building blocks (12) andconnecting faces (14) as shown in FIG. 21.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 21 through 31, grids of electro-magnets can bestrategically positioned on the building blocks (12). When grids ofelectro-magnets are used, adjacent building blocks (12) can be movedrelative to each other while remaining in contact with each other.

[0065]FIGS. 27 through 29, illustrate the relative movement along threeorthogonal axis between adjacent building blocks (12). The relativemovement between the building blocks (12) results from the selectiveactivation according to a specific pattern of the electro-magnets (22)positioned at the interface between the block components (12) and thelinking components (16).

[0066]FIG. 30 illustrates the relative movement between three buildingblocks (12) showing that a set of three building blocks (12) can bemoved from a generally rectilinear configuration to a generally L-shapedconfiguration by the mere selective activation in a predeterminedsequence of the electro-magnets (22) mounted on the building blocks(12).

[0067]FIG. 31 further generalizes the concept by showing the relativemovement between several building blocks (12) forming a block matrix.The block structure or matrix changes configuration from a generallycubic-shaped to a generally flat shape through the mere activation ofthe electro-magnates (22) mounted on the building blocks (12) accordingto a predetermined activation sequence or pattern.

[0068] In use, the building blocks (12) are assembled together using thelinking components (16) and can be either manually displaced relative toeach other or moved according to various patterns using selectiveactivation of magnet components mounted thereon.

[0069] In one embodiment of the invention, the building blocks (12)and/or the linking components (16) are provided with a colored ortextured outer surface. Relative movements therebetween thereforecreates display of corresponding color patterns. Such a display can beused for numerous applications including LCD-like displays or similarapplications.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive privilege orproperty is claimed are defined as follows;
 1. A modular structure, saidmodular structure comprising: at least two building blocks, each of saidbuilding blocks including a block body defining at least one blockconnecting face, said block connecting face defining a block externalconnecting configuration; a linking component, said linking componentdefining a pair of linking component connecting faces, each of saidlinking component connecting faces defining a linking component externalconfiguration that is configured and sized so as to at least partiallymate complimentarily with the block external connecting configuration ofone of said blocks; a magnetic force generating means for generating amagnetic field, said magnetic force generating means being anchoredeither to said block body and/or to said linking component so asgenerate a magnetic force that emanates respectively either through saidblock external connecting configuration and/or said linking componentexternal configurations; whereby the block external connectingconfiguration of each of said blocks are adapted to be positioned in afacing relationship relative to each other with said linking componentexternal configurations at least partially mating complimentarily withthe block external connecting configuration of said blocks, saidmagnetic force generating means exerting a magnetic force thatreleasably maintains said building blocks coupled by said linkingcomponent.
 2. A modular structure as recited in claim 1 wherein saidblock external connecting configuration takes the form of a recess andsaid a linking component external configurations take the form ofcomplementary protrusions.
 3. A modular structure as recited in claim 1wherein said block external connecting configuration takes the form of aprotrusion and said a linking component external configurations take theform of complementary recesses.
 4. A modular structure as recited inclaim 1 wherein said magnetic force generating means is anchored to saidblock body so as generate a magnetic force that emanates through saidblock external connecting configuration.
 5. A modular structure asrecited in claim 1 wherein said magnetic force generating means isanchored to said linking component so as generate a magnetic force thatemanates through said linking component external configurations.
 6. Amodular structure as recited in claim 2 wherein said block externalconnecting configuration takes the form of a concavity defining agenerally curved recess inner surface.
 7. A modular structure as recitedin claim 6 wherein said linking component external configurations takethe form of generally rounded convexities.
 8. A modular structure asrecited in claim 6 wherein said linking component has a generallylenticular configuration.
 9. A modular structure as recited in claim 1wherein said magnetic force generating means is a magnet component madeout of a magnetized piece of material.
 10. A modular structure asrecited in claim 6 wherein said magnetic force generating means is amagnet component made out of a magnetized piece of material, said magnetcomponent being embedded within said block body so that a magnet outersurface thereof merges with said curved recess inner surface.
 11. Amodular structure as recited in claim 10 wherein said outer surface ofsaid magnet component has a generally diamond-shaped configuration. 12.A modular structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said complementaryblock external connecting configurations and said a linking componentexternal configurations allow both of said block bodies to pivotrelative to said linking component about a common pivotal axis whilemaintaining said block bodies and said linking component in contact witheach other.
 13. A modular structure as recited in claim 1 wherein saidblock body has a generally polyhedral configuration defining a pluralityof block connecting faces.
 14. A modular structure as recited in claim13 wherein said block body has a cubic configuration.
 15. A modularstructure as recited in claim 13 wherein said block body has a generallyfrustro-conical configuration.
 16. A modular structure as recited inclaim 1 wherein said linking component is permanently attached to on eof said block connecting faces.
 17. A modular structure as recited inclaim 1 wherein said magnetic force generating means is anelectro-magnet component.
 18. A modular structure as recited in claim 1,wherein each building block and each linking component is provided witha set of electro-magnets, said modular structure being provided with aselective actuating means for selectively activating the formation ofthe magnetic field of at least some of said electro-magnets according toa predetermined activation pattern.
 19. A modular structure as recitedin claim 18 wherein said selective actuating means includes a means forgenerating said predetermined pattern; said electro-magnets and saidbuilding blocks being configured, sized and positioned so that selectiveactivation of the electro-magnets according to said predeterminedpattern modifies the configuration of said modular structure
 20. Amodular structure as recited in claim 18 wherein said selectiveactuating means includes a set of receivers; each receiver being coupledto a corresponding electro-magnet; said selective actuating means alsoincluding an emitter for selectively emitting a signal ; whereby uponreception of said signal from said emitter, each receiver, in turn,sends a signal to the corresponding electro-magnet to which it iscoupled for activating the latter.